4 Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About VW

The largest automaker in Europe, Volkswagen has manufactured the “people’s car” since the late 1930s. No matter whether you’ve driven a Volkswagen Beetle for decades or you’re a recent VW convert, you know that there’s plenty to love about this German automaker. Take a closer look at these four fun facts you didn’t know about Volkswagen.

Volkswagen and Porsche Share a History

Though Volkswagen wasn’t founded until 1937, its roots date back to the 1920s. At that time, vehicle ownership was still relatively rare among Europeans, since few people could afford the steep price tag attached to a private car.

Struck with a desire to design a vehicle that most Europeans could afford, automotive visionary Ferdinand Porsche designed what would become the Volkswagen Beetle. Around the same time, Porsche and his son Ferry designed the Porsche 911, which boasted a combination of the Beetle’s compact design and a classic racing look. This classic look would soon come to define the Porsche brand.

Volkswagen Models Are Named After the Wind

If you’ve ever wondered what Volkswagen models’ names mean, consider their aerodynamic design and legendary speed. For decades, the German automaker has named its models after the wind. The compact Sirocco sport coupe, for example, is named after a Mediterranean wind, while the mid-size Passat sedan is named for trade winds. The compact Jetta sedan echoes the term for jet stream, while the sporty Golf is named after the Gulf Stream.

Volkswagen Is More Than Just the People’s Car

Volkswagen includes a complete lineup of compact sedans, sports coupes, modern hatchbacks, and premium SUVs, but the company encompasses much more than that. The Volkswagen Group has an impressive global portfolio, as it owns several of the world’s top automakers.

In addition to Volkswagen, the Volkswagen Group owns German companies Audi and Porsche, Italian companies Bugatti and Lamborghini, Czech company Škoda, and British company Bentley. Though it’s known for its German lineup, the Volkswagen Group is a well-rounded international company with multiple European brands to its name.

Volkswagen Develops the World’s Fastest Vehicles

When you think of speed, Volkswagen might not be the first automaker that jumps to mind. As Bugatti’s parent company, however, Volkswagen has a hand in developing the Italian automaker’s Veyron 16.4 Super Sport. Designed for speed, the Veyron can exceed 267 MPH, cranks out 1,200 horsepower, and can go from zero to 60 in just 2.5 seconds.

While a select few other automakers have designed vehicles to exceed 270 MPH, their top speeds have yet to be proven. After all, Volkswagen holds the keys to the Ehra-Lessien Proving Ground, the largest test facility in the world. As the only test track that allows vehicles to reach such high speeds, it’s the ultimate location for testing the world’s fastest cars.

Whether you’re in the market for a sporty new Golf GTI or a family-friendly Tiguan, your local Volkswagen of South Charlotte has just the model you’re looking for. Visit our dealership in South Charlotte or contact us to inquire about the ideal Volkswagen for you.